Europa League Round 2: Lazio Shines on Two Fronts, While Can Ten Hag Save Himself at Manchester United?

As the second round of the Europa League group stage unfolded on October 4th, Lazio and Manchester United took center stage in their respective matches, albeit for very different reasons. Lazio continued their impressive form in both the Europa League and Serie A, securing victories with a solid balance of attacking flair and defensive resilience. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s ongoing struggles under Erik ten Hag were highlighted once again, as the Dutch manager faces mounting pressure amid growing concerns over his team’s poor performances.

Lazio’s fixture against Nice saw the Italian side carrying momentum from their recent domestic successes, while Nice’s aging defense, led by the 41-year-old Brazilian veteran Dante, seemed vulnerable after a grueling start to the season. On the other hand, Manchester United traveled to face two-time Champions League winners Porto, where Ten Hag’s tenure was thrown into question after a string of lackluster results and a particularly embarrassing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Lazio vs. Nice: Dante's Unfinished Business Against the Eagles

Lazio entered the second round of the Europa League full of confidence, having thrashed Dynamo Kyiv 3-0 away from home in their opening fixture. The Ukrainian side, already seen as inferior to Lazio in terms of quality, failed to adjust without home advantage. From the start, Dynamo Kyiv appeared lost in possession, unable to string together meaningful passes and repeatedly making poor decisions in defense. Lazio capitalized on these errors, and by the 40th minute, they had already secured a commanding three-goal lead. The remainder of the match played out without much intensity, as both teams seemed content to see the game to its conclusion.

In Serie A, Lazio continued their fine form with a 3-1 win over Torino last weekend. Known for their robust defensive structure, Torino found themselves outmatched by Lazio’s relentless high pressing. Lazio’s forwards were relentless, disrupting Torino’s midfielders, who were unable to cope with the pace and physicality of their counterparts. The result was another three-goal haul for Lazio, though their defense once again offered the opposition a glimmer of hope, allowing Torino to score a consolation goal late in the game.

Nice, on the other hand, had a far more challenging start to their Europa League campaign, drawing 1-1 at home against Real Sociedad. The match was tightly contested, with both teams finding the back of the net in the first half. In the second half, Nice had the opportunity to take the lead after being awarded a penalty, but striker Gaëtan Laborde missed the crucial spot-kick. Throughout the match, both sides looked dangerous on the counter-attack, frequently delivering accurate crosses from wide positions that kept both defenses under constant pressure.

The aging Dante, who turned 41 in October, remains a key figure in Nice’s defense, often playing the full 90 minutes despite his age. His leadership and experience have been invaluable to the team, but his declining pace has left Nice vulnerable to faster, more dynamic attackers. Interestingly, Dante’s personal history with Lazio adds another layer to this fixture. Seven years ago, during their last Europa League encounter, Lazio managed to defeat Nice in both group-stage matches, with Dante, who had just transferred to Nice at the time, making a critical error that led to a Lazio goal. The Brazilian will surely have a point to prove in this match, but Lazio’s psychological advantage and superior form make them clear favorites to secure another victory.

While Nice’s defensive concerns persist, Lazio’s tactical flexibility and attacking prowess should allow them to capitalize on any mistakes. Expect Lazio to apply intense pressure in the midfield and look to create opportunities through their quick transitions. Given their current form, Lazio should be able to control the game and secure a comfortable victory, even if Nice can manage a few moments of resistance.

Porto vs. Manchester United: Can Ten Hag Turn Things Around?

Porto, twice winners of the Champions League, opened their Europa League campaign with a shocking 3-2 defeat to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. Despite taking an early lead within 10 minutes, Porto’s defensive lapses allowed the Norwegian side to turn the game around before halftime. In the second half, Porto gained a numerical advantage when Bodø/Glimt were reduced to 10 men after a red card. However, despite their relentless attacking efforts, Porto’s defensive fragility remained a glaring issue, with both teams adding another goal each in the closing stages. The loss left Porto with much to think about as they prepared to host Manchester United in the second round.

For United, the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag continues to mount. The Dutchman has managed to survive the first two seasons at the helm largely due to success in domestic cup competitions, but the current campaign has started disastrously. In their first Europa League group-stage match, United could only manage a 1-1 draw against FC Twente, the club where Ten Hag both started and ended his playing career. Given his deep ties to the Dutch club, some viewed the result as a sentimental gesture, but United’s performance left much to be desired, especially considering the quality gap between the two sides.

Domestically, United’s woes have only deepened. Last weekend, they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. While both teams created numerous scoring chances, it was United’s defensive collapse that left fans and pundits alike in disbelief. Spurs defender Micky van de Ven was allowed to dribble from his own half into United’s penalty area without challenge, eventually setting up a tap-in for Tottenham’s opening goal. Things went from bad to worse when Bruno Fernandes was sent off, leaving United with 10 men and unable to mount a comeback. Two more goals followed in the second half as United capitulated in front of their home crowd.

The tactical issues at United are glaring. While they possess the individual talent to compete with top clubs, their strategy under Ten Hag has come under heavy criticism. The team’s reliance on wide players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to deliver crosses from the wings has proven ineffective, as opposing defenses have easily neutralized this predictable approach. Many have questioned why a squad with such high-profile, high-cost players continues to deploy such a basic game plan.

Despite the growing chorus of fans calling for his sacking, Ten Hag has outlasted most of his predecessors since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, largely due to his ability to win trophies. However, with United’s form hitting new lows, the end of Ten Hag’s tenure may be fast approaching unless he can reverse the team's fortunes quickly. The upcoming match against Porto presents a pivotal opportunity for Ten Hag to steady the ship, but the pressure will be immense.

Porto’s defensive frailties could offer United a lifeline. If Ten Hag can encourage his team to exploit the spaces left open by Porto’s vulnerable backline, United might be able to snatch a crucial away victory. However, United’s defensive issues are equally troubling, and Porto’s attack will be keen to test them from the start. The outcome of this match could hinge on which team makes fewer mistakes, but as things stand, it’s difficult to see United turning their season around without a dramatic improvement in both defense and tactics.

The Battle for Survival and Redemption

Both Lazio and Manchester United enter their respective Europa League fixtures with much at stake, but the contrasts in their situations couldn’t be more stark. Lazio, riding high in both Europe and Serie A, look poised to continue their strong run of form with a squad that seems perfectly balanced between defense and attack. Meanwhile, Manchester United are teetering on the edge of crisis, with Erik ten Hag’s future hanging by a thread as the club continues to underperform across all competitions.

Lazio’s immediate future looks bright as they aim to secure another dominant performance, while Manchester United’s fate remains uncertain. Whether Ten Hag can hold onto his job and guide United back to winning ways may well depend on the outcome of their clash with Porto. As the Europa League continues to unfold, the stakes are only growing higher for both clubs, though for very different reasons.